7.30 Mind

Before the Session

Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.

Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.

Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media)

Context

Tell the group: Today’s passage is a prayer – Paul writes his prayer for the believers in Ephesus, so they will know what he desires for them. These kinds of prayers can be powerful and effective. Ask:

How do you typically pray?

For what kinds of things do you tend to pray most often and why?

If you’re comfortable, share a little about a prayer you heard that was particularly meaningful or moving and why it was so powerful for you?

Why is it different when someone says to you, “I’m praying for you,” than when they actually pray aloud with you?

In what situations do you believe that group prayer or individual prayer is more significant and why?

Content

From where do you think the power mentioned in verse 16 will come, and where will the readers experience it?

Why do you think the writer chose this prayer, rather than to ask God, for instance, to convict them of their sinfulness; strike their persecutors; point out weaknesses in their church’s doctrine; or give them resources to withstand persecution?

In which of your Bible favorite stories did God bring about an outcome that was different and better than anyone could imagine?

When have you had an overwhelming sense of God’s love for you?

In what ways does being loved make a difference in your life?

Closure

Continue by asking questions like these:

At what point have you had a sudden realization of someone’s love for you, or when you’ve been surprised to realize your love for someone else?

Why is it important to know that we are loved by others?

Why, then, is it also important to express our love for others – and what can that expression look like?

Who in your life might benefit from being reminded of God’s love for them, and given the times in which we live, how can we do that in a positive way?

What situations in your life seem hopeless – and how might you already foresee God working to bring about an unexpected outcome?

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About Faithelement

Faithelement offers a way to do Bible study that is fresh, honest and relevant. We use the tools of this generation — web, video, music, and social media to engage the message of scripture and help encourage growth in faith. We also offer a range of teaching styles and options, realizing that there's more than one way to learn.

About Faithlab

Faithelement is a service of Faithlab. Faithlab is a communications group that works with congregations and non-profits to strengthen the ways they share their message, including publishing, web, video, photography and mobile apps.